The SLO Summer Jazz Workshop is a 5-day jazz performance course put on by the SLO Jazz Festival and Cuesta College aimed at students from Junior High through College and adults looking for a positive experience of musical growth. Each student will be instructed as to the role his/her instrument plays in a jazz ensemble as well as how to present themselves on the bandstand and prepare for getting paid work playing music. This intensive week is a great time for learning to make music with new people, learning your instrument better and understanding jazz improvisation.
This summer’s workshop participants will be divided into three separate groups: “Jazz Master Class” and “Anyone Can Improvise.” The groups will participate jointly in some exercises but will have focused time each day for specialized lessons based on their skill level. Please use the information below to help you choose the appropriate group.
DATES: 1 week, Monday - Friday. July 6 - 10, 2026
Anyone Can Improvise: Enroll Now
8:30am – 2:30pm (45-minute lunch break from 12:15-1pm)
- Great for anyone who plays an instrument and has played some jazz
- Best to have some music reading skills
- All ages welcome
The Jazz Master Class: Enroll Now
9:30am – 3:45pm (30-minute lunch break from 12:30-1pm)
- Can improvise in multiple keys
- Some prior experience with gigging and reading changes
- Great for the career minded
The Vocal Jazz Track: Enroll Now
9:30am – 3:45pm (30-minute lunch break from 12:30-1:00pm)
- For aspiring jazz singers
- Sing in a small vocal jazz choir and with a small jazz group
- Inspiring teaching and musical situations
FEE:
- $200 Earlybird rate until May 31
- $300 Regular rate as of June 1
LOCATION: San Luis Obispo Campus Room 7160, 7104
INSTRUCTOR: Ron McCarley
QUESTIONS: Call Community Programs at (805) 546-3132
Class Schedule – Please Note:
Our class schedules may be subject to change. You can view the most current class
status anytime on the Community Programs website. To stay up to date after registering,
please monitor your email, as any changes will be sent to the email address we have
on file.